Self Care Resources

Visit our Self-Care Centers to learn more about such health and wellness topics as asthma, allergies, smoking cessation, and weight control. These centers are full of practical advice, book reviews, quizzes, and the latest news.

Asthma & Allergies
This center is full of practical advice to help you—or your child—breathe more freely. Other resources include interviews, book reviews, quizzes, and the latest news.

Back Care
Eight out of 10 people will have back pain at some point in their lives. Our back pain center has suggestions for keeping your back strong and healthy, information on the latest in treatments and pain relief, and much more.

Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, but it's not as fearsome as it used to be. Not only do we know more about preventing cancer, but treatments are much more sophisticated and effective than they used to be. Visit our Cancer Center for the latest in news and information on the disease.

Patient Safety

What is Patient Safety?Patient safety is ensured by avoiding simple errors that could result in serious health consequences. Everyone in the health care system—you, your hospital, your insurer, and your physician—can take measures to ensure safety and good health.

A 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 44,000 to 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year as the result of lapses in patient safety. Often, the lapses in safety are simple and avoidable, and are due to weaknesses in the systems that make up the health care system, such as lack of timely access to medical records or medication histories. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is committed to improving patient safety by educating our members and by working with our providers and other business partners.

Everyone can play a role in increasing overall patient safety. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has developed this list of the five most important things you can do to contribute to your own good health:

Understand and ask questions if anything is unclear

Keep a list of all medications that you take

Get the results of any test or procedure that you have had

Talk to your physician about which hospital is best for your health needs

In addition to the information we offer below, you can also learn more from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's website (a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

Smoking & Tobacco
We'll tell you what nicotine really does to your body (and sex life) and offer practical advice to help you quit—for good. Plus, use our handy tool to learn how much smoking is costing you.

Weight Control
Our center has the lowdown on healthy eating for weight loss—and hazardous diets to avoid—as well as exercise to keep the pounds off. You'll also find calculators to figure your ideal weight, calorie needs, and more.